Which bike? on a budget...

[Dracus124]

I don't know which bike to get, I want to hear opinions as i do not have nearly as much experience as most of you inmates. I want a bike that is easy to work on, and isn't going to cost alot to maintain. Here's what I'm looking at buying depending on whats available when I get my loan wednesday

First bike. little small compared to the others, but I don't need to extra power.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3160785730.html - Sold!

The XR600R, always admired it since I road my cousins in fontana a few years ago.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3164687226.html

This is the one I'm really considering, needs the notorious valve cover leak fixed http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3163341656.html
and This would be a great parts bike if plan goes well I will pick up both for around $1500. Looks to have the same problem
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3148631159.html

As you can see, I'm a honda man. I've been browsing craigslist and the last two links keep getting reposted.
See, I'm a government contractor at a commissary, and I applied for a loan when the contract was awarded to a new company, so I only had paystubs from the old company and got denied for the loan til I have a paystub from my current employer, even though I do the same thing with no down time inbetween contracts. made me wish i tried earlier but it's almost here and I'm itching for a bike.

I sold the turd in my sig, It is very similar to the 500, even had the same leak! never fixed it though...

If anybody wants to swoop up on these bikes, I will not be offended or upset, craigslist deals come and go!

[alongat]

XR, Suzuki DR, Kawasaki KLR - you really can't go wrong with any of those. There's a sea of them to choose from and even more new and used parts for piss cheap...

[Switchblade315]

the 500s are good bikes but you'll probably have to do a little work on them over the next year. The suspension is a little soft and the breaks are lacking, but with a little modding they are freaking cool.

have a look. http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711672

The 600 will be a upgrade but I don't know how much because I have never road one. as for the little 350. some people like them, again I've never road one.

I love my 500, it's not perfect hell it's no where near it, but it will handle the interstate if need be, and at 70 it's got a little left for power. the mods I made make it ride good, well it road good before i just had the parts and wanting a better break on the front. and yes, it has that freaking leak. I'm going to fix it this winter.

I was on a big time budget when i got mine,, and would i do it again.... hell yes.

[jon_l]

Re: your ads, they're all pretty old. Have you considered an XR650L? Old-tech, but newer manufacture, should mean easier time with parts, accessories, and most importantly, more time riding than wrenching.

Choices are limited if you insist on Honda, but if you add in Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, there are lots of cheap, reliable D/S choices. KLR650 and DR650 the 2 most obvious, though several others are out there (DR350, XT-250, KLR250, Super Sherpa, KLX250S, DR-Z400, etc).

[Dracus124]

Originally Posted by Switchblade315

the 500s are good bikes but you'll probably have to do a little work on them over the next year. The suspension is a little soft and the breaks are lacking, but with a little modding they are freaking cool.


have a look. http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711672

The 600 will be a upgrade but I don't know how much because I have never road one. as for the little 350. some people like them, again I've never road one.

I love my 500, it's not perfect hell it's no where near it, but it will handle the interstate if need be, and at 70 it's got a little left for power. the mods I made make it ride good, well it road good before i just had the parts and wanting a better break on the front. and yes, it has that freaking leak. I'm going to fix it this winter.

I was on a big time budget when i got mine,, and would i do it again.... hell yes.

Lurked on that one a while back, The possibilities are endless. I love those 80's era bikes! The ultimate goal is the keep mileage off my 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, as I have to make payments for the next 5 years! its got low mileage as it is, pretty much brand new, and I want to keep it that way as much as possible. I figure a car for the wife and child, BIKE FOR ME!!! But I gotta do it cheap..... <$2000 ya know? if I can get a bike for cheaper, the money is going to parts. but If not, Atleast i could get a nice bike for decent. I have about $500 budgeted in for gear as I only have cheap mx gear and that crap aint gonna save me on asphalt.

These are the typical bikes and prices for my area, Always something similar for sale.

The bike is going to be used on a 18 mile commute 5 days a week + off road fun on the weekends.

[Switchblade315]

the 500s are ok off road. that 600 will be better just because it's got better suspension. as my 500 sits i have about 1200 to 1300 in it. I payed 800 for it and with the rebuild and if you factor in buying the XR it's somewhere around that. as it sits if i had a better rear shock and a better rear break I'd run a hairscramble on it. I have done 300 mile days on mine with no problem. and I take it off road plenty. but I do consider myself above average in my ridding skill due to being a ex hairscramble racer. this being said I probably can take my 500 and do things that most people wouldn't. But this is something that anyone that rides a dual sport of any kind off road can say about there own bike. Owning a old XL500R I would buy another one. I would tell anyone to get one if they have the chance. but they have quirks and that are a little harder to get some parts for. Mostly small things. I've only found one seal i cant get so far and I think I can match one up from napa if need be.

I cant tell you to get any of these bike but for what you are wanting get one that will leave you some extra case to farkel it a little.